How Do I Get Rid of Cats Under My Deck? A Step-by-Step Guide for a Cat-Free Space

Dealing with unwelcome feline visitors under your deck can be quite a challenge. I remember vividly the time I discovered a couple of cats had turned the space beneath my deck into their personal hideaway. While their elusive nature can make them tough to coax out, I’ve found a few tricks that work wonders.

One successful strategy included the use of natural cat repellents, such as sprinkling cayenne pepper around the perimeter of the deck. Cats dislike the strong scent and will often vacate the area to avoid it.

Beyond repellents, it’s equally important to remove any incentives for the cats to stay. This usually means ensuring that no food sources, like outdoor pet food bowls or exposed garbage, are available to entice them.

I learned this the hard way when I left my pet’s food out only to find a stray cat feasting on it under my deck the next morning. Moreover, securing your garbage and keeping areas clear of debris can significantly reduce the appeal of your deck as a potential home for cats.

In some cases, however, you might need to gently encourage the cats to leave. I found that placing a humane trap with some food inside could safely capture the cats, allowing me to then release them in a more appropriate outdoor setting.

Interestingly, some individuals have had success with water deterrents, although this method needs to be used cautiously and humanely. If you’re considering this, one technique is to gently spray the cat with water from a distance to encourage them to relocate without causing harm.

Deterring Cats from Your Deck

Successfully keeping feline visitors from treating your deck as their playground involves a combination of durable physical barriers and thoughtfully placed repellents. It’s all about making the area less appealing and more challenging for cats to access.

Physical Barriers and Deterrents

Creating a cat-proof decking area means ensuring those little paws can’t find a way under or onto your treasured outdoor space. One effective measure is to enclose the perimeter of your deck with chicken wire or a similar barrier. Cats dislike the feel of the wire on their paws, making them less likely to intrude.

• Block Access
  • Chicken Wire: Bury it deep to prevent digging.
  • Porous Fencing: Use to block gaps beneath the deck.
• Thorny Plants: Planting bushes or plants such as rue, lavender, or those with thorns around your deck can provide a natural deterrent, as cats will avoid the discomfort of navigating through them.

Use of Repellents and Scare Tactics

Beyond barriers, introducing unwelcome aromas and startling experiences can effectively deter cats.

• Scents Cats Dislike:
  • Citrus Peels: Scatter around the deck.
  • Vinegar: Dab onto strategic areas; cats dislike the smell.
  • Natural Repellents: Consider a homemade citrus spray or solutions containing pepper.
• Startle and Scare:
  • Motion-Activated Sprinkler: Sudden bursts of water can startle cats away.
  • Ultrasonic Devices: Emit sounds that are uncomfortable for cats but inaudible to humans.
  • Strobe Lights or Making Loud Noises: Use sporadically to keep cats guessing.

When combined, these methods can create a multi-faceted defense system to maintain your deck as a no-cat zone.

Long-Term Solutions and Considerations

When you’re dealing with unwelcome feline visitors under your deck, it’s important to consider methods that are both effective and humane. Long-term approaches not only help to remove the present cats but also aim to prevent future issues.

Humane Trapping and Relocation

To start, humane traps are a safe way to catch the cats that have made your deck their new hangout spot. Baiting the traps with food and checking them regularly ensures that the cats are not left confined for too long.

Once trapped, you can then relocate them to a local shelter or arrange for them to be adopted if they’re not feral. Make sure that trapping is done in accordance with local laws and in a way that doesn’t harm the cats.

• Do: Check with animal control or a shelter for borrowing traps.
• Don’t: Leave traps unattended for extended periods.

Community and Neuter Programs

Joining forces with your neighbors or a community cat program can be a game-changer. These programs often include Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) methods, which involve trapping the cats, having them neutered or spayed, and then returning them to their home territory.

This not only controls the cat population in your neighborhood but also reduces behaviors like spraying and fighting, which can attract more cats to your yard.

• Advantages of TNR:
  • Reduces feral cat population over time
  • Lowers incidents of diseases among neighborhood cats
• How to Get Involved:
  • Contact your local shelter or feline rescue group
  • Volunteer for or start a TNR program in your area

Implementing these solutions will take patience, but in time, they will help keep your deck and backyard a cat-free zone without causing harm to the feline community.